Machine for making basket-blanks.



O. E. JOHN & F. NORTON.

MACHINE FORMAKING BASKET BLANKS.

. APPLIcAloN FILED lune lo. 19H.

Patented Nov. 23, 1915` I4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

A 770mm w/msssfs O. E. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BASKET BLANKS.

APPLICATION m50 June lo. 1914.

Patented Nov. 23, 1915.

I4 SHEETS-SHEET 2- Arron/Iers 0. E. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON.

MACHINE FoR MAK|NG BASKET BLANKs.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE I0. |914. 1 ,161349. Patented Nov. 23, 1915.

14 SHEETS--SHEET 3.

0. Ii. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON.

MACHINE roR MAKING BASKET BLANKS.

APPLICATION FILED )UNE I0. 1914. 1,161,749. 7 Patented Nov. 23, 1915.

I4 SHEETS-SHEE`I 4.

s WN Wl MESSS ATTORIIEVS Patented NOV. 23. 1915.

I4 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

WITNSSSES' O. E. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BASKET BLANKS.

l APPLCATION FILED JUNE l0. 1914. 1,161,749.

WIR

Patented N ov. 23, 1915.

14 SHEETS-SHEET 6- Anon/frs O. E. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BASKET BLANKS.

APPLICATION FILED IuNE Io. I9I4.

1,161,749. y Patented Nov. 23, 1915.

,ma/mers' O. E. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BASKET BLANKS.

l APPLICATION FILED JUNE l0. I9l4. 1,161,749, Patented Nov. 23, 1915.

I4 SHEETS-SHEET 8- i y M @Kw/@4 i Anon/lm 0. E. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BASKET BLANKS.

APPLlcmoN r1Ln1uN10.1914.

1,161,749. PatentedNov. 23, 1915.

H SHEETS-SHEET 9.

O. E. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BASKET BLANKs.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE I0. |914.

Patented Nov. 23, 1915.

mmm: f@

APPLICATION FILED IUNE l0. l9l4.

Patented Nov. 23, 1915.

I4 SHEETS-SHEET Il.

he l

O N N 1.,0

wir/visse@ I Anon/Ins 0. E. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON. MACHINE Fon MAKING BASKET BLANKS.

APPLICATION FILED IUNE l0. l9l4.

Patented Nov. 23, 19|5.

I4 SHEETS-SHEET l2.

O. E. ST. IOIIN O r. NORTON.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BASKET'BLANKS.

APPLICATION FILED IuIIE IO. I9I4.

Patented Nov. 23, 1915.

H SHEETS-SHEET l3- ITTTTT A TTOHNEYS y0. E. ST. JOHN & F. NORTON. MACHINE FOR MAKING BASKET BLANKS.

UNITED sTATEs PATENT OEEIOE.

ORESTUES E. S'JI. JOHN AND FRED NORTON, OF ROCK CREEK, OHIO.

MACHINE FOR MAKING BASKET-BLANKS.

To all whom t may concern Be it known ythat we, OREsTUEs E. ST. J OITN and FRED NORTON, citizens of the United States, andresidents ofRock Creek, in the county of Ashtabula and State of Ohio, have invented an Improvement in Machines for Making BasketBlanks,-of which the following is a specication.

Our present invention relates to weaving machines, and more particularly to a machine for weavingsplints to form blanks from which` the usual splint baskets yare thereafter made up.

vThe primary object of our invention is to provide a machine capable of a continuous' the splintsthemselves or irregular or broken edges thereof.

Many other objects of our invention, with their resulting advantages will clearly appear in the course of the following description, in which reference is madeto the 'accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which- Figure 1 is a side .elevation of the complete machine. Fig. 2 is a side elevation on an enlarged scale of the forward end or discharge portion ofthe machine. Fig. 3 is a similar view of the intermediate portion of the machine where the weaving operation takes place. Fig. 4 is a similar view of the rear end portion of the machine where the longitudinal splints are fed into their magavines. Fig. 5 is a plan view of substantially that portion of the machine shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a plan View of substantially that portion of the machine shown in Fig. 3.

Figi 7 is a similar view of substantially that portion of the machine shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a sectional side elevation of the mechanism utilized to intermittently shift a slidable cross head guide in controlling the placed positions of the transverse splints, taken substantially on line 8-8 of Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a transverse vertical secl tion taken substantially on line 9-9 of Fig.'

8 with the conveyer table removed. Fig.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. .23, 1915.

Application filed .Tune 10, 1914. Serial N0. 844,195.

10 is a detail perspective view showing a portion of the shiftable cross head guide and a part of one of its guide rods. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section through the weaving mechanism, taken substantially on line 11-11 of Fig. 6 and showing the means for elevating the rear ends of alternate longitudinal splints. Fig. 12 is a similar View on an enlarged scale taken substantially on line 12-12 of Fig. 6. Fig. 13 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially on line 13-13 of Figs. 6 and 12. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the rear end portion of one of the stationary splint guides. Fig, 15 is a transverse section therethrough taken substantially on line 15--15 of Fig. 14. Figs. 16 and 17 are respectively a plan and side elevation of one of the actuating members for setting the transverse splints properly in the blank. Fig. 18 is a detail perspective view of one of the longitudinal splint lifting members removed. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of one of the presser arms for the rear ends of the longitudinal splints removed. Fig. 2O is a vertical longitudinal section taken substantially on line 20-20 of Fig. 6 and illustrating the means for raising the forward and rear sets of presser arms. Fig. 21 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially on line 21-21 of Fig. 20. Fig.-22 is a perspective view of one of the lifting shoes for the forward set of presser arms, with a portion of its actuating chain. Fig. 23 is a similar view of a portion of one of the lifting shoes for the rear set of presser arms, with a portion of its actuatingv chain. Fig. 24 Ais a horizontal lsection taken substantially on line 24-24 of Fig. 20. Figs. 25 and 26 are respectively a side elevation and a plan view of one of the operating members attached to the chain shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 27 isla vertical longitudinal section taken substantially on line 27--27 of Fig. 6 and illustrating the means for effecting an intermittent movement of the longitudinal splint carrying chains. Fig. 28 is a plan view of the parts shown in Fig. 27. Fig. 29 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on line 29-29 of Fig. 27. Fig. 30 is a perspective View of the stop for the intermittently moving longitudinal splint carrying chains. Fig. 31

is a similar view of one of the laterally prov are secured a series of sprocket wheels E2:

of the discharge strips of the longitudinal splint feeding chains, and Fig. 37 is a plan view of the basket blank formed by our improved machine.

Referring nowto the figures in general it will be seen that we provide a main supporting frame A along the top of which is mounted a table B 'and 'centrally above which main frame and table is superposed a supplemental frame Cin which is mounted certain parts of the weaving mechanism which, as will be hereinafter shown, is confined within-'an area of the apparatus immediately` adjacent to the supplemental frame just mentioned.

As best seen by reference to Figs. 5 to 7 inclusive and Fig. 13,l the table B consists of a plurality of longitudinal strips b having central longitudinal grooves b in their upper surfaces and separated by upright metal strips b2, the'upper edges of which metal strips b2 extend some distance above the upper surface of the table strips b.

There is thus formed a plurality of channels upon the upper surface of the table B in which the several longitudinal splints of theblank are disposed and movable.

By reference to Fig. 37 it will be seen thatthe blank formed with our improved machine consists of eight longitudinal splints D and a similar number of lateral or transverse splints D interwoven to form a body fabric and with their kends projecting, it being noted that four splints of each of the series of longitudinal and lateral or transverse splints' are loffset in vtheir length with `respect to the other four of the series in order lthat the finished blank may be properly manipulated to finish off the basket ends when disposed on a basket form.

Referring now to Figs. l to 7 inclusive it will be seen that there are a pair of shafts E and E journaled upon respectively opposite ends of the main frame A and in the upper portion thereof, on which shafts corresponding inl number with the channels of the table and around which are mounted endless conveying chains E3 which travel in the grooves b of the table before mentioned (see Fig. 13) and are provided with sets of projecting lugs e spaced apart and the spaces between which lugs form magazlnes fon the longitudinal splints'disposed as' before mentioned within the space Abetween the metal table strips b, one of these longitudinal splints being shown in place in Fig. 7 at the point where the series of longitudinal splints for making a blank are fed lonto the table, it being noted by reference to Figs. 5,' 6 and 7 that the series of chain lugs e are so disposed as that four lugs of each transverse series are offset'in a longitudinal direction with respect to the other four, thus providing for the relation vof the longitudinal splints as before described in connection with the finished blank in Fig. 37.

The several conveyer chains E3' are intermittently moved and the longitudinal splints are laid in the spacesbetween the lugs e of the chains when the latter are stationary and at the point shown in Fig..7 as just stated,

this intermittent movement of the conveyer chains being accomplished by means which will now be described.

Power is supplied to the apparatus from any suitable source to a pulley Ff mounted upon a transverse shaft F journaled in the lower forward portion of the mainframe A and connected, by a sprocket chain F2, to an upper intermediate shaft G also journaled transversely in the main frame A, this shaft G being provided, beyond the right hand side of the tableB, with a pair of sprocket wheels G as shown in Figs. 6 and 27. These sprocket wheels G which are spaced apart, are connected by longitudinal parallel chains G2 to a pair of sprocket wheels H similarly spaced apart and secured upon ashaft H mounted transversely upon the upper portion of the main frame A adjacent its rear end, as best shown in Fig. 7.

The shafts E and E of the conveyer chains are also extended and provided with sprocket wheels E4, at the right of the table B, connected by a sprocket chain E5 which extends between the sprocket chains G2 as Y clearly seen by reference to Figs. 5, 6 and 7 and as shown in detail in Figs. 28 and 29. The chain E*s has laterally projecting horizontal members E, one of which is shown' in detail in Fig. 31, secured thereon ath spaced points and adapted to be engaged by lugs G3 carried by the chains G2, and as best shown 1n Figs. 6, 27 and 28, it being noted that these latter chains are continuously movable through the driving connections before stated. The lugs G3 engage a lug E6 at a point shown at the right in Fig. 27, immediately after these lugs G3 which are pivotf ally connected at their forward ends to their respective chains G2 have been elevated by engagement upon a platformI, upon which Vthey move as shown in Figs. 27 and 28.

of the forward end of the platform I and are thus allowed to drop to the position shown in dotted lines, releasing the lug Eu with which they were previously engaged. At this time the next rearmost lug E of the chain E5 has come to a position from which the previous one was moved and the chain E5 and the several conveyer chains E3 are stopped at precisely the desired point or in other words are prevented from moving nbeyond the desired point .through their own momentum, by a stop J pivotally mounted at y' at its forward end within a cut out portion of the platform I, as seen in Figs. 27 to 30, and elevated in the path of movement of the lug E at the proper time, by the means shown in Figs. 27 and 29, the stop itself being shown in detail in Fig. 30.

The shaft G which carries lthe sprocket wheels G before mentioned is also provided with a small sprocket wheel K, below chain Es and connected, by a sprocket chain K, to an intermediate transverse shaft R, and this chain K', which is also immediately below the upper run of the chain E5, is provided with a lug K2* which comes be'- neath the rear end of the stop J at the proper time and raises the stop to a point above the surface of the platform I. Thus each time the lugs G3 of the chainsl G2 come onto the platform I and engage the proper lug Efx of the chain E5 as described above, this latter chain together with the several conveyer chains E3 is moved forwardly the desired distance to feed a set of longitudinal splints within, the weaving mechanism and a finished blank out of the mechanism.

As before stated the longitudinal splints are laid in vthe magazines formed on theV conveyer chains as soon as a series of these magazines are ready for their reception at the rear end of the machine as shown in Fig. 7 and it is to be understood that two intermittent movements of the conveyer chains are required to carry these splints so Wplaced within the weaving mechanism located substantially centrally of the machine and likewise two .movements are required to carry the finished blank out of the machine and effect its discharge.

It will be noted from Figs. 1, 2 and 7, that the two outer conveyer chains E3, at the right and left hand sides of the machine, are provided with supplemental strips El, shown in detail in Figs. 35 and v36, secured at their forward ends to their respective chains so that when, after passage through the weaving mechanism, the finished blank approaches the forward end l of the machine, the strips E7 being attached only at their forward ends willA turn the finished blank over into a receiving rack L or other suitable receptacle for the finished blanks, see dotted lines in Fig. 2, disposed at the forward end of the machine and best shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

When, through two successive intermittent movements of the magazine chains E3, the series of longitudinal splints D placed in the magazine chains at the point indicated in Fig. 7 and as previously described,

are moved beneath the supplemental frame C, and brought to a stand-still in such position, the forward and rear ends of the several longitudinal splints are respectively clamped by forward and rear sets of presser arms M and N, as best shown in Figs. 11

in Figs. 11, 12 and 13. During the movement of the series of longitudinal splints into the space as just mentioned, l1owever the several presser arms M and N are raised, and thereafter, during the weaving operation, the rear ends L alternate longitudinal splints are' also raised to permit the introduction of lateral splints which are earried toward the rear ends of the longitudinal splints upon continuously moving chains O, movable longitudinally, and upon opposite sides, of the table B, as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 6, 7, 11 and 13, with their forward ends around sprocket wheels on the shaft G and their rear ends around sprocket wheels on the shaft H as will be seen by a comparison of Figs. 3, 4, 6, and`7. These chains O carrya series of pivoted lugs O 'and in advance of each transversely alined pair of such lugs, a transverse or lateral splint D is placed as shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

As each transverse or lateral splint D approaches the rear ends of the longitudinal splints in the weaving mechanism as shown in Fig. 12, the rear ends of alternate of these longitudinal splints are raised by means of a transverse series of arms 1), best shown in Figs. 11 and 12 and illustrated in detail in Fig. 18, pivoted at 7? at their rear ends beneath the table B and having upwardly inclined forward ends p extending vertically through slots in the table and beneath the rear ends of the several longitudinal splints.

A series of chains Q extend around sprocket wheels Q on the shaft G before mentioned and around the sprocket wheels Q2 on the shaft R as seen in Fig. 11, these several chains Q being alined below members P and provided with lugs 0 properly placed to lift certain of the arms P by passing' thereunder, thereby forcing the rear ends of the respective longitudinal splints and the respective presser arms N upwardly,

against the tension of the springs n, of said presser arms Thus with the rear endsl of certain of the longitudinal splints 4'raised and the rear ends of the other splints held down as shown in Figs. 11 and 12 provision is made to receive a latelal splint therebetween. C

In the weaving'operation each transverse or lateral splint D is carried by the respective lugs O before mentioned until it is substantially in the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 12 and but a short distance in the space between the raised and lowered rear ends of the alternate longitudinal splints. At this point each lateral or transverse splint is released by downward pivotal movement of the lugs O oli' of the forward ends `of side rails 0,2 upon which they travel, as shown in Figs. 11 and 13, and by which rails they are normally held upright. These lateral splints are released in the position' shown in dotted lines in Figs.A 11 and 12,

. and at the same time all of the, rear"presser arms N are raised to permit of further movement of such splints, by upward movement of uprights N2, the upper ends of which are connected to across bar N3 in turn connected to the lower forward ends of the several presser arms N by chains N2 as will be clearly seen by reference to Figs. 11, 12 and- 20 to 24 inclusive. The lower angular ends n of the uprights N2 rest upon shoe bars N5 beneath which travel chains N having their forward and rear ends mounted around sprocket wheels on the shafts Gr and R and provided with a plurality of lugs n3 which when they pass beneath the shoes N5 raise the 'latter and thus simultaneously lift the entire"=series of rear presser arms This causes the rear ends of all of the longitudinal splints, to beA released and permits of continued movement of each lateral splint within the blankQgafter its release in the position shown in -dotted lines in Fig. 12.

and after its engagement by angular lugs `orlarms S pivotally mounted upon chains S, the lowerruns of which chains pass lon- .jgitudinally over the blank as -it is being formed.`

'It will be noted from Figs.'11 and 12 that as yeach of the lateral or transverse splints D is brought to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 12, it is permitted to drop into cut out portions b3 of the several metal table strips b2 and that the several y' longitudinal splints are prevented from lateral dlsplacement 'when raised adjacent these cutfout portions, by means of longitudinal `stationarysplint guides D2, each consisting fla bar'extending aboveand along one of the metal table stripsz with its rear curved end [d resting on a'cross rod D, aslseen in shown in detail in Figs. 14 and 415.

The chains S above referred to, extend around sprocket wheels S2 and S8, the

sprocket wheels S2 of which are securedv upon a shaft T and the sprocket wheels S3 ofA which are loosely mounted upon a shaft T', these shafts being respectively journaled v in the forward and rear portions of the supplemental frame C before mentioned, all as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. Thus the several,

the-blank andi are released at the proper point within the blank by their engagement vwith the cross head U which causes their pivotal movement in an upward direction as shown. in dotted lines in Fig. 12, this cross head U having a rearward step by step movementv during the formation of each blank'through the means which will now be described. Y ,y l

Referring now to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, the cross vhead U is journaled to slide upon longitudinal guide rods U. and is secured adjacent its ends to chains U2 passing around sprocket wheels'U3 and U2 upon opposite sides of the table B, which sprocketwheels arerespectively mounted upon'the shafts T and T before mentioned, sprocket wheels U3 being loosely mounted upon the shaft T and sprocket wheels U4 being secured upon the shaft T. Mounted also on the shaft T,

at its left hand end as seen in Fig. 6, isl a wheel U5 having a series of teeth u, as clearly shown in. Figs. 3 and 8, which are successively engaged during the weaving operation. by lugs u mounted upon a chain U2' extending around sprocket wheels u2 and.

u2 respectively `secured upon shafts V and V the former of which is driven from the shaft T by a chain V2 as clearly shown in Fig. -3, which shaft T, actuating the chains S, is driven by a chain T2 extending around sprocket wheels mounted on the shaft G -before mentioned and a shaft T3 lmounted in the upper portion of the supplemental frame C. Thus each time a lug u engages a tooth u of the wheel U5,the cross head U is moved lrearwardly into proper position to release the armsl S from the incoming- Il l5 transverse or lateral splints so that the several lateral splints will be positioned at just the proper point irrespective of their particular width lor any irregularity oftheir edges. ,When the several lugs u have suc cessively operated the toothed Wheel U5, the next arm S, engaging the cross head, will carry thelatter forwardly with the chains U2 and. toothed wheel U5, as the finished blank is being removed, in order to set the partsready for the next weaving operation.

When the blank hasbeen completed `the magazine chains will be startedA and the blank carried out after the several -press'er i 'ends'of levers M5 intermediately pivoted at maand having Ptheir rear ends pivotally connected to the upper ends of uprights M". The lower ends-of these uprights Mi are pivotally connected to shoe bars M7 pivotally mounted at their forward ends, to the sides Y of theframe A. as seen in Fig. 6, and having their rear ends above chains Ms traveling around'sprocket wheels on the shafts G and .R and provided with a single lug m* for lifting the rear ends. of the shoe bars at the proper time, it being seen from Figs. 21 and 22 that the lower ends of the uprights N2 of the rear presser arms N also rest upon the shoe bar MT so that the two sets of presser arms are simultaneously raised to permit forward movement of the finished blank out'of the weaving mechanism.

'splints against a guide The transverse or lateral splints D are fed into the machine and laid across the longitudinal magazine chains Es in advance of the lugs O of the chains O as before stated, by an operator standing upon the left hand side of the frame of the apparatus and by placing the o posite ends of the as shown'in Fig. 7 and again in detail in Figs. 32 to 34 inelusive.

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7, a chain W travels at the right hand side of the.ma chine and on sprocket wheels mounted upon the before mentioned shafts H and R and is provided with a pair of lugs fw and fw having inclined cam faces turned in relatively opposite directions. The guide W consists of a bar secured at an intermediate point to a shaft or rod W2 movable through a bearing on the main frame as shown in Figs. 32 and 34 and pivotally connected adjacent its outer end to the upper end of an intermediatelypivoted lever W3. The lower end of this lever W?, is similarly connected to an adjusting bar W4 having its rear spearshaped head 'wz' disposed in the path of movement of the lugs 'w and lw. In this manner. the first four transverse or lateral splints are laid with their outer ends against the guide bar W when the latter is 1n its outer adjusted position after which the lug .fw engages the end of the adjusting bar W1 and thereby moves the guide bar W inwardly so that the next four lateral or transverse splints laid with their ends thereagainst will be offset from the first four as is desired and as shown in the finished blank as illustrated in F ig.y 37. From this it will be seen that the offsetting of the splints'of the longitudinal and lateral series is accomplished, in the former instance by means of the particular lugs of the magazine chains and the manner in which they are arranged thereon and in the latter case by the automatically movable guide bar W.- v

In the operation of the entire device it will be seen that as each set of longitudinal series of splints is carried into the braiding mechanism and clamped by means of the presser arms M and N, the lateral splints are moved into the wearing mechanism one at a time. The several presser bars M engage and hold the forward ends of the longitudinal splints during the entire weaving operation although it will be understood from the foregoing that the presser arms N are successively moved during the entrance of each lateral or transverse splint, first when alternate longitudinal splints are raisedv to provide for the initial entrance of the lateral splints and then to a common raised position to permit the' further moverenii. ofthe lateral splints fully into the It will be further seen that by means of i the intermittently adjustable cross head U,

the several lateral or transverse splints are 4 released in the blank at precisely the desired point, without regard to, and unaffected by, an accidental increase or decrease in width of such splints, or misshapen, broken edges thereof. j

It will be further understood that when the weaving operation is complete the entire series of presser arms M and N will be raised as movement of the magazine chains is started. When each blank arrives at the forward discharge end of the conveyer table, it is turned over into the receiving rack L by the magazine strips El.

In the manner we have shown and described the several operations necessary in the weaving of each basket blank are accomplished in a highly elfective'manner at once continuous and wholly automatic, the Vend of each operation leaving the parts immediately in position for action upon the succeeding set of splints fed thereto simultaneously with the removal of the finished blank. l

It will be further seen that the several operations take place `through the use of driving means in the form of sprocket chains and sprocket wheels of which latter it is to be noted by reference to the several figures, there are but two sizes.

We claim.

1. In a splint weaving apparatus of the character described, the combination of a weaving mechanism, means whereby to convey a series of longitudinal splints into the said mechanism at one and the same time and including a plurality of endless chain conveyers mounted to travel beneath the said mechanism and having spaced upstand ing lugs forming magazine spaces between them in which the said longitudinal splints are disposed, means for imparting an intermittent movement to the said conveyer` chains, a conveyer table beneath the said mechanism and upon whichthe upper runs of the said conveyer chains are adapted to travel, and means'whereby to convey lateral or transverse splints into the said mechanism one at a time and including constantly moving conveyer chains at opposite sides of the said conveyer table having upstanding lugs in advance of which the several lateral l or transversesplints are disposed.

2. In a splint weaving apparatus of the character described, the combination of a weaving mechanism, means whereby to cony in which the upper runs -of the several ing chains are adapted to travel, said table also having spaced parallel strips extending upwardly therefrom and forming independent channels for the splints carried by the chains whereby to prevent their lateral displacement, and means whereby to convey lateral or transverse splints into the weaving mechanism one at a time.

3. In a splint weaving apparatus of the character described, the, combination of a supporting frame, a conveyer table mounted longitudinally above the frame, transverse shafts mounted at the opposite ends of the frame and in its upper portion adjacent to the ends of the table, a plurality of sprocket wheels mounted upon the said shafts, driving connections for imparting intermittent movement to thesaid shafts, a plurality of endless sprocket chains mounted around the said sprocket wheels and having their upper runs traveling upon the said table, said sprocket chains being provided with spaced 'upright lugs forming magazines between them for the reception of longitudinal splints, a weavmechanism operating intermediate the ends of the table and into which the longitudinal splints are intermittently fed in series by the said conveyer chains, and constantly moving means for conveying lateral with a series of spaced laterallyprojecting.

arms, chains mounted intermediately, and upon opposite sidesof, said last-mentioned chain and provided with spaced lugs to successively engage andmove the said arms and their chain, driving means for the actuating chains, and constantly moving means for conveying lateral or transverse splints into the weaving mechanism, all as described.

5. In a weavingapparatus of the character described, the combination of a Weaving vmechanism, a plurality of endless conveying chains mounted to travel through the weavlng mechanism for feeding longitudinal splints thereto, means for imparting simultaneously intermittent movement to the said conveyer chains, and constantly moving chains mounted to travel at opposite sides of the series of intermittently moving chains and having spaced upright lugs for feeding lateral or transverse splints one at a time into the mechanism, all as described.

6. In a splint weaving apparatus ofthe .character described, the combination `of a weaving mechanism, a conveyer table extending through the said mechanism and upon which longitudinal splints may be fed to the mechanism, conveyer chains movable at opposite sides of the table and provided with upstanding lugs in advance of whichl the lateral or transverse splints are laid for movement into the said mechanism, a laterally movable splint guide arranged at one side of the conveyer table and against which the ends of the lateral or transverse splints are disposed, and means for automatically adjusting the position of the said splint guide whereby to offset certain of the lateral splints with respect to the others, for the purpose described.

7. In a splint weaving apparatus of the character described, the combination of a weaving mechanism, a conveyer table extending through the said mechanism and upon which longitudinal splints are fed to they mechanism, conveyer chains movable along opposite sides of the table and across which the lateral, splints are disposed for movement into the weaving mechanism,a laterally movable gulde bar disposed at one 

